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Science

Science Curriculum Overview

Science Intent and Implementation

Purpose of study 

A high-quality science education provides children with the opportunity to understand the world around them. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.  

The aims of teaching and learning in Science include

  • developing an enquiring mind and a scientific approach to problem solving
  • encouraging positive attitudes to Science, eg, curiosity, cooperation, perseverance, independence in thinking and critical evaluation of evidence
  • developing a secure understanding of basic scientific concepts
  • learning to communicate ideas clearly and using scientific language with confidence and understanding
  • through first hand experience, developing the practical skills and logical thought processes associated with scientific investigation, including forming questions, observing, measuring and recording data, predicting outcomes and explaining results
  • developing a concern for the environment and an understanding of how we can help protect it
  • raising awareness of the importance of Science in our present technological age

Science is studied under three broad themes which often overlap:

  • Life Processes and Living Things
  • Materials & their Properties and
  • Physical Processes.

These directly reflect, but are not limited to, the requirements of the National Curriculum.